The 2026 Kings and Queens of the Heel
Kings and Queens of the Heel (KQTH) is the only telemark video competition of it's kind!
...and we're changing it all up!
- Assemble Your Telemark Team
- Complete and Film Challenges Out of the Task Booklet
- Score Points
- Create an Edit
- Become the Kings and Queens of the Heel
The 2026 KQTH TASK BOOKLET is out now!
The most points earned will now be considered in a weighted system alongside a vote by a collection of past KQTH teams and winners, industry homies, and tele club loonies, as well as our classic #WECARE community vote.
This is how it looks:
MOST POINTS (previously the KQTH winner): 50% weight to final score
JUDGES VOTE (to help offset popularity contests): 30% weight to final score
COMMUNITY VOTE (previously #WECARE): 20% weight to final score
Our hopes with this new system is to help promote an emphasis on stoke and overall vibe in your team’s video submission while still maintaining the importance of attempting and completing new and fun challenges!
We have combined them for the 2026 KQTH so that the winning team will be motivated to crush points and VIBEZ! Check out the new format rules for more info!
We are still confirming with all of the competition sponsors but it will definitely include skis, bindings, boots from Scarpa... so much denim. Did we mention one team wins it all this year??
Throughout the 3 month film period, we may add new challenges and other bonus material. At the very least, expect new sponsor challenges to be added through January.
Make sure to sign up for our newsletter (at the bottom of the page) to be informed if a new version is released!
Version History
Version 1 - 1/9/2026
The OG drop.
Heck yeah! Welcome to the tele club! We created the task booklet so that it has challenges fun for everyone from a beginner to a seasoned ripper.
A new rule for the 2026 KQTH. Teams can consist of as many telemark skiers and/or filmers you want.
The only real requirement for your team is that the challenges in the task booklet are completed by those on telemark gear (unless said otherwise).
Anytime before 11:59 PM PST on April 1, 2026.
Yeah, we got weird. No worries! Shoot us an email at kqth@telecolo.ski and we will make sure to help you out!
Absolutely not! We have received submissions from all over the US and beyond!
As long as you're droppin' knees, you can be anywhere in the world and still participate. Shout out to anyone beach skiing in the tropics!
Great question! Check out all of the previous entries from 2020 through 2025 below!
We are always stoked to check out what teams are up to throughout the season.
Tag @telecolo_ and #kqth on your social media posts so we can share it with the world!
Skip them! Teams are not required to complete all of the challenges in the task booklet.
IN FACT, this season's competition will not necessarily reward the team claiming the most points with the ultimate 2026 Kings and Queens of the Heel win!
Only complete challenges within your skill level and/or that look fun to you!
Exactly, this is certainly a part of the KQTH challenge! Pick and choose what tasks fit your crew the best.
For the 2026 KQTH, teams are encouraged to not only crush points... but to also create a fun edit with good vibez! The winner may not be the team with the most points!
Boulder, CO, USA
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